Ukraine Begins Local Assembly of NATO-standard Czech-made BREN 2 Rifles

Ukraine has started assembling NATO-standard CZ BREN 2 rifles locally under the Joint-Stock Company "Ukrainian Defense Industry" (Ukroboronprom).

The assembly began in November 2024 as part of an agreement with Česká zbrojovka, a subsidiary of Colt CZ in the Czech Republic. Signed on July 16, the agreement includes localization of assembly with plans for full manufacturing in the future.

The CZ BREN 2, already in service with Ukraine’s Armed Forces, is also used by the Czech Republic, Portugal, Poland’s border service, Romania’s gendarmerie, and France’s National Gendarmerie operational group. By localizing production, Ukraine aims to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and integrate its defense industry into NATO supply chains.

Ukroboronprom’s Director General Oleh Huliak highlighted the partnership’s importance: “Partnership with Czech colleagues will help improve meeting the needs of Ukraine’s Defense Forces in reliable and modern small arms produced in our country. Additionally, another step has been taken toward integrating our defense-industrial complex into NATO countries’ industrial chains.”

This collaboration builds on earlier agreements, including a letter of intent to transfer production licenses signed in February 2024. The project was first presented at the First International Defense Industries Forum (DFNC1) in Kyiv in September 2023, where it was announced the rifles would be produced under the Sich brand.